Most softball and baseball players thought that they wouldn’t have to worry about their fields being touched during construction, but they thought wrong. Due to the work on the new stadium, there won’t be enough parking for parents, coaches and players for games, so the games are being moved. Softball will be hosting their home games at a local sports complex, and baseball will be hosting at Joe Cannon stadium for the 2017 spring season.
Rumors have said that it is going to be seven months until the stadium is finished and ready for use. The tearing down of the old school will mark the beginning of those seven months, pretty much right before the spring season. This was not the news the players wanted or expected to hear, especially the seniors. “It was unexpected because we originally thought that our field wasn’t going to be affected by the school construction, so when we got the news about not playing any home games, we were surprised,” said senior Hailey Manning. The change from being at home, along with having to ride a bus to their own home games will be a big transformation. It is understood that several other teams have been doing this for almost three years, but this is news to everyone. Also, during the stadium construction, the baseball’s announcing system and booth will be taken down. The idea is to place the booth in between the baseball and softball field so both teams can utilize it.
The move will not only be a mental adjustment, but a physical one as well. The fields, in both cases, at Severna Park have shorter fences than the new fields. Joe Cannon’s fences are measured at 310 feet at left and right field and 410 at center. Severna Park’s measure at about 300 all the way around.“It’s going to be tough not having the high school field because we have grown used to the short fences,” said senior Ben Hollingsworth.
Softball will experience the same problem, but it may help in the long run. Their fence is only about 180-190 feet all the way around, making easy pop flies a home run over the fence. Their new home, Bachman, has basically an unlimited outfield. Their fences measure at about 300 feet. A temporary ‘break away’ fence may be used for the season, but nothing has been confirmed.
Although this situation is less than ideal for both teams, the season will, in no way, be ruined. Away games will still have the crazy bus rides and the teams will still have each other. Their goal for the season won’t be changed and their ambition won’t be altered. “ Everyone is pretty upset about not playing at our field, especially the seniors. But no matter what field we are at, we will be chasing a state championship,” said junior Kody Milton.
